THE ART OF PLATFORM SPEAKING
"'A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.' This proverb of King Solomon perfectly
describes the joy that comes from a well-delivered speech. Public speaking is an art form in which the
solid gold of form and content is enhanced by the silver of eloquence. Human beings are powerfully
impacted by the effect of the spoken word and drawn to the beauty of well-woven communication."
-Thane Rehn
An original oration or platform speech is a speech that is written entirely by the speaker. Presenting a
platform speech allows a speaker to share and discuss a subject about which he is interested and
passionate. It can serve as a "soapbox" for expressing one's own thoughts and ideas.
The privilege of expressing one's own ideas does come with a responsibility as well. As Thane Rehn
points out, "Whether you choose to propose a solution to a problem, encourage certain actions or
beliefs, draw attention to an important issue, or inspire your audience to be better people in some way,
you will have to craft your words with precision and thoughtfulness, and do your best to produce change
in the hearts and minds of the listeners."
PREPARING A WINNING SPEECH
The first step in preparing a winning speech is topic selection. Brent C. Oberg writes, "It is impossible to
underestimate the importance of topic selection in original oratory competition. The topic is the basis of
the entire speech. Your ability to be creative, persuasive, humorous, intelligent, well-researched, and
powerful all are dependent upon your choice of topic."
Choose a topic that is important to you. Your credibility and effectiveness as a speaker will be greatly
enhanced if your topic has real meaning and significance to you. The audience will not be moved by a
speech if the speaker isn't. It is also important to choose a topic that is suitable and that relates to a
wide variety of people. A speaker should select a topic that involves and interests the entire audience
not just a limited few. Finally, find a topic that is fresh and innovative, rather than something that has
been recycled over and over again. Present the audience with something new and stimulating.
Another important step is organization. A winning speech is an organized speech. A speaker is better
able to develop, address and manage his thoughts and ideas if his speech is structured. An audience is
more likely to understand, remember and be persuaded by a speech that is organized. As one forensic
judge, Dr. James Unger, laments, "One grave flaw from which many speeches seem to suffer, and from
which they can definitely be cured, is a real absence of any orderly sense of development, progress,
expansion of ideas."
A basic speech structure is comprised of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the
conclusion. The introduction should confidently and enthusiastically command the attention of the
audience. It should also introduce the thesis and provide a preview or road map of the main points the
speech will cover.
The body of the speech contains the main points that support the thesis. The most common number of
points is three. James N. Watkins writes, "Three is powerful!" These points should be clearly defended
with evidence and examples and they should be linked with transitions. "Transitions, which are verbal
cues that signal the end of one main point and the beginning of another, are sometimes called signposts
because they tell the audience when a new point is coming, like the preview provides a map." (Brent
Oberg)
The conclusion should review the reasoning and thesis of the speech. A speaker should use this
opportunity to reinforce his main ideas. These final words should leave the audience thinking about the
speech. In other words, the speech should end on a "high note of interest and action." The conclusion
should also be a satisfying end to a well prepared speech and not an abrupt STOP.
STYLE AND DELIVERY
A platform speech should be written for the ear, not the eye. Therefore the speaker must pay close
attention to the style of his speech. A speaker should use rich, powerful and engaging language with
vivid nouns and action verbs. Similes, metaphors and captivating imagery will also serve to bring the
message of the speech alive with clarity and distinction. Thane Rehn also reminds us that "the most
important goal is to write in a style that sounds natural and pleasant to the ear, not stilted or artificial."
Delivery of the speech is as important as the writing. Andrew Halpin affirms, "The language of words is
only a fragment of the language we use in communicating with each other. We talk with eyes and
hands, with gestures, with our posture, with various motions of the body." We also communicate with
our voices and with our expressions. Delivering a speech is a "full body activity" and a speaker should
put careful thought into every aspect of his presentation. This consideration along with practice will
give the speaker dignity and confidence before his audience and will allow him to leave his audience
inspired by his presentation.
JUDGING
As a platform speaker, you will be judged on all of the elements of a winning platform speech which are
discussed above. This includes the written speech itself, the introduction, content, conclusion and style,
as well as the delivery of the speech, your vocal quality, body movements, eye contact and the genuine
emotion you express while presenting your speech. The judge will also consider your poise during
delivery. Smile, speak clearly and confidently. Do not apologize if you have a brief memory lapse or a
verbal stumble. Believe in the importance of your message and engage the attention of the audience so
that they too can be touched by its significance.
The Windsor-Essex Homeschool Speech & Debate Association does not require that a speech be
memorized for this competition. However, a speaker may have notes for reference only. The judge will
note if you are reading your speech. You may quote from other sources during your speech but you
must cite any quoted material and quoted material must account for less than 30% of your speech. Your
speech must last a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes and you must submit an
outline of your speech to the judge before your presentation. No props, costumes or audiovisuals can
be used during your speech.
Finally, the judge will evaluate your appearance. Thane Rehn notes, "Unless you are speaking to a
nudist convention, your audience will get their first impression of you by the way you are dressed. . . the
fact is that you are responsible for the image you convey with your clothes. You should dress to
demonstrate that you respect your audience, keeping in mind that you want to appear credible and
appropriate. . . Your words should make a statement that your clothes should not contradict." In this
competition speakers are required to dress modestly and professionally. Girls should wear an informal
skirt or dress of appropriate length or full-length dress pants. Boys should wear a collared shirt with a
tie and dress pants or khakis. Jeans, sweat pants, t-shirts, athletic shoes and hats are not acceptable.
Hair should be combed back so that it does not stray into the face and cause distraction. Gum should
never be chewed during any speech.
IN CONCLUSION
With a platform speech , you have the ability to communicate a message that can change lives. As Brent
Oberg states, "When you stand in front of an audience and make a point you feel deeply, and then see
your words have an effect upon the audience, all your work and effort is worthwhile."
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
Secrets of Great Communicators: Simple, Powerful Strategies for Reaching Your Audience by Jeff Myers
As I Was Saying . . . : A Guide to the World of Competitive Speech by Thane Rehn
Forensics: The Winning Guide to Speech Contests by Brent C. Oberg
and also
Communicate to Change Lives in Person and Print by James N. Watkins